Convertible sheave assembly for telescoping derricks

ABSTRACT

A convertible sheave assembly is selectively securable to the tip end of either the upper or lower section of a telescoping derrick to minimize exposed steel structure at the tip of the derrick for safer working conditions. Workman buckets, as well as remote control levers, are selectively securable to the tip end of either the lower or upper boom sections to add flexibility and safety in electrical utility line work. A second sheave is pivotally secured to the tip end of the upper section to selectively retract inside the upper section when not in use.

United States Patent [191 Reimbold, Jr.

CONVERTIBLE SHEAVE ASSEMBLY FOR TELESCOPING DERRICKS Inventor: James J. Reimbold, Jr., Overland Park, Kans.

Assignee: A. B. Chance Company, Centralia,

Filed: Sept. 22, 1972 Appl. No.: 291,380

US. Cl. .f 214/3, 212/55 Int. Cl A01g 23/02 Field of Search 214/3, 3.1; 212/52, 53,

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 7/1965 Garnett 212/59 R X lO/l97l Milner, Jr. et a1. 212/55 X [/1972 Wacht et a], 214/3 limits June 25, 1974 FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 1,221,510 2/1971 Great Britain 2.12/55 Primary Examiner-Frank E. Werner Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Schmidt, Johnson, Hovey & Williams 5 7] ABSTRACT 22 Claims, 11 Drawing Figures CONVERTIBLE SHEAVE ASSEMBLY FOR TELESCOPING DERRICKS This invention relates to telescoping derricks for utility vehicles and relates, more particularly, to improved sheave head structure that is convertibly securable to the tip end of the derrick, and other means for facilitating safer, faster, and easier overhead utility line work.

Telescoping derricks of the class described are uti-' lized in installation and repair of overhead utility apparatus such as electrical power lines and associated equipment. Conventionally, the derrick is provided with a winch carried at a lower position on the telescoping boom, and a sheave assembly disposed at the tip of the boom that is sufficiently massive in structure to handle the installation of utility poles. Such general arrangement is described in US. Pat. No. 3,631,991. While it is necessary in many working situations that the sheave assembly be located at the very tip of the boom to allow handling of bulky articles by the boom, this creates a safety hazard by virtue of the massive steel structure at the tip exposed to proximal overhead power lines which may be electrically energized. To minimize this problem it is known to construct the upper telescoping of the boom out of electrically insulated material such as glass-reinforced plastic; yet the danger presented by the massive steel structure is still presentfor personnel standing in buckets at the tip of the boom.

Another problem associated with telescoping booms has been the rather awkward, and therefore, unsafe, positioning of personnel relative to the working area. In many instances, the positioning of the load-carrying boom-type sheave required that the workman service a device being held by the load line of the sheave at a location below the workman.

Accordingly, it is an important object of the present invention to provide a telescoping derrick of the class described and having a relatively massive sheave assembly that is securable to the tip end of the upper section of the boom, yet which arrangement presents minimal steel structure at the tip for safer working conditions.

A more particular object of the invention is to provide a massive sheave assembly that is selectively positionable at the tip end of the upper boom section, or which may be convertibly secured to the tip end of the lower boom section to minimize the steel structure at the tip end of the upper section. I

Another object of the present invention is to provide simple, inexpensive means in the form of a single pin for convertibly securing the sheave assembly to either the upper or lower boom section.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a drop-out sheave at the tip end of the upper section of a telescoping derrick to facilitate easy, safe, and-efficient work in close or hazardous surroundings, the sheave being selectively retractable inside the upper section to facilitate complete telescoping retraction of the upper section into the lower section. I

Another object in accordance with the preceding objects is to provide a telescoping derrick of the class described which includes workmen buckets that may be selectively securable to the tip end of either the upper or lower section, and manually operable remote control levers which are also selectively positionable at the end of either section in consonance with the location of the bucket to increase work safety by creating greater relative positioning of the workmen to the work area.

Another object of the invention is to provide a con vertible sheave assembly of the class described that carries a utility tool, such as a pole grabber, positionable so as not to interfere with longitudinal shifting of the telescoping boom section.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention are specifically set forth or will become apparent from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the invention when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a rear elevational view of a telescoping derrick constructed in accordance with the principles of this invention and showing the sheave assembly at the tip end of the upper section;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary, elevational view of the'upper end of the telescoping derrick with the sheave assembly being located at the tip end of the lower boom section;

FIG. 3 is an elevational view similar to FIG. 2 but showing the workman bucket and remote operating levers disposed at the tip end of the lower section, and showing the manner in which a transformer may be mounted to a utility pole;

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the sheave assembly and with the upper derrick section shown retracted within the lower section of the boom;

FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 4 but with portions shown in central cross section to reveal details of construction and with the claw structure in its other disposition;

FIG. 6 is a front elevational view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 4 with the claw structure not shown;

FIG. 7 is a side elevational view similar to FIG. 4 but showing the upper section extended from the lower section and the sheave assembly secured to the upper section;

FIG. 8 is an enlarged, side elevational view of the tip end of the upper section;

FIG. 9 is a transverse cross-sectional view taken along line 99 of FIG. 7;

FIG. l0 is a side elevational view of the remote operating members as secured to the tip end of the lower section and showing the upper section extended from the lower section; and

FIG. 11 is a bottom plan view as viewed along line 11-l1 of FIG. 10.

Referring now more particularly to FIGS. l-3, there is illustrated a telescoping derrick generally referred to by the numeral 20, that is mounted upon the rear bed of the utility vehicle 22. The derrick includes a main frame 24 which includes stabilizing outriggers 26, and a turret assembly 28 rotatably mounted atop main frame 24. A boom having three hollow telescoping sections 30, 32 and 34, the uppermost section 34 being of electrically insulative material such as glass reinforced plastic, is extensible from turret assembly 28 in response to actuation of extension cylinder 36, as well as other power extending members (not shown) carried inside the boom sections. This structure is conventional and well-known and permits movement of the derrick in a variety of planes in view of the 360 rotation afforded turret assembly 28 in conjunction with the telescoping action of the boom sections 30, 32 and 34.

A plurality of telescoping operating members 38 extend'generally parallel to the boom sections and terminate in manually operated levers 40. Levers 40 actuate hydraulic control valves (not shown) normally carried adjacent turret assembly 28. The operating members are secured by side hanger brackets 42 to the two lower boom sections 30 and 32.

The telescoping derrick also includes a hydraulically operated power winch assembly 44 that is rigidly, permanently affixed to section 32 at the tip end thereof. A sheave assembly 46, described in greater detail below, is securable to the outer, tip end of upper section 34 as illustrated in FIG. 1. Alternately, sheave assembly 46 is securable to the outer tip end of section 32 adjacently above winch assembly 44 as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3.

A pair of workman buckets 48, one of which is illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, is selectively mountable to the tip end of upper section 34 as shown in FIG. 2 or to the sheave assembly 46 (FIG. 3) tube located therewith adjacent the tip end of boom section 32. In consonance with the location of workman buckets 48, the operating members 38 are detachable from upper section 34 to position levers 40 adjacent the tip end of boom 32 as shown in FIG. 3. Buckets 48 are fabricated from electrically insulative material. A second, relatively small, drop-out sheave assembly 50 is pivotally secured to the tip end of upper section 34 to present an overhead pulley for carrying a winch load line 52 which extends upwardly from winch assembly 44.

As best shown in FIG. 2, the convertible selective po- I sitioning of sheave assembly 46 at the top of intermediate section 32 minimizes the electrically conductive steel structure at the tip end of the derrick in close proximity to electrically energized power lines 54 and creates safer working conditions for personnel standing within bucket 48. Still, sheave assembly 46 may be secured to the tip end of upper section 34 as illustrated in FIG. 1 when necessary. In the arrangement shown in FIG. 3, the overhead pulley presented by drop-out sheave assembly 50 facilitates installation of a device such as a transformer 56 upon a utility pole 58, with the workman buckets 48 and levers 40 located at the tip end of boom section 32 at a convenient working height relative to the working area of transformer 56. Relative longitudinal shifting of upper section 34 within intermediate section 32 allows proper relative positioning between the transformer 56 and bucket 48, regardless of the vertical location of the transformer on the utility pole so that a workman within bucket 48 need not work at awkward stances.

Referring now more particularly to FIGS. 4-7, winch assembly 44 includes a hydraulic rotary motor 60 drivingly engaging a rotary winch 62 located in offset relationship to one side of the boom sections 32 and 34. The winch and motor are conventionally affixed upon a weldment 64. This arrangement of winch motor 60, winch 62 and mount weldment 64 is more completely described in the aforementioned U.S. letters Pat. No. 3,631,991, though reference thereto is not necessary for a complete understanding of the present invention.

A shroud 66 affixed in surrounding relationship to the intermediate section 32 at the tip end thereof, fas' tens to weldment 64 to rigidly permanently affix winch assembly 44 to intermediate section 32. As shown in FIG. 5, shroud 66 carries one or more rollers 65 in contact with the outer surface of upper boom section 34 to enchance the longitudinal telescoping action thereof relative to section 32. The shroud 66 has a pair of upwardly protruding ears 68 on opposite transverse sides of the shrouds and apertures 70 within each of the ears transversely aligned with one another. The side hanger bracket 42 associated with boom section 32 is secured to shroud 66, and a tubular length 72 affixed on shroud 66 adjacent bracket 42 extends upwardly generally parallel to members 38.

Sheave assembly 46 generally includes a support weldment 74 having an outer end disposed to the same side of boom section 34 as is winch .62, and an opposite end surrounding boom section 34; a sheave 76 rotatably mounted on the outer end of support weldment 74; and locking means in the form of a transfer pin 78 that is clearly illustrated in FIG. 9. Support weldment 74 comprises a pair of side plates 80, each of which has support gussets 82, and a reinforcement plate 84 welded thereto. A baseplate 86 and top plate 88 extend transversely between and are welded to side plates to cooperate with the latter in surrounding upper boom section 34. Bearing pads 90 are affixed upon the inner surfaces of side, base and top plates 80, 86 and 88 to snugly engage the outer surface of the electrically insulative upper section 34 in a manner permitting relative longitudinal movement between support weldment 74 and boom section 34.

Side plates 80 have small support tubes 92 welded in surrounding relationship to aligned apertures therein which receive a central shaft 94 of sheave 76 to define the rotational axis of sheave 76. The outer ends of side plates 80 are flared in involute curved configuration.

At the inner end of support weldment 74 are a pair of transverse apertures 96 and 98 adapted to receive transfer pin 78. Aperture 96 is offset to one side of boom section 34 in noninterfering relationship therewith, and in a location aligning with the apertures 70 and cars 68 of the winch shroud when the sheave as sembly is located at the tip end of intermediate section 32 as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5. In such disposition, transfer pin 78 is insertable through the aligning apertures 70 and-96 to hold and secure the support weldment 74 in stationary relationship to the tip end of intermediate section 32. Transfer pin 78, illustrated in the described position by phantom lines in FIG. 9, receives a removable keeper pin 77 atone end and has a pull ring 79 at its other end to facilitate quick and easy insertion and removal from apertures 70 and 96. Such positioning of transfer pin 78 allows the upper boom section 34 to be longitudinally extended above the sheave assembly 46 as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.

Bucket tubular support structure 100 extends through transverse bore 102 in sheave 74 and rigidly fastens to both the side plates 80 thereof. The workman bucket 48 is selectively mounted upon tubular support 100 in order to position the bucket upon sheave assem- A pole handling tool in the form of a claw structure 104 is pivotally mounted to the outer end of support weldment 74. The claw structure 104 illustrated is hydraulically operated and of the type more completely described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,147,993 to which reference may be made, though not necessary for a complete understanding of the present invention.

A pair of depending arms 106 welded to claw assembly 104 have lower ends pivotally carried on the support tubes 92 of each side plate 80 so that claw structure 104 may be swung about an axis common to the rotational axis of shaft 94. An extensible, linear stroke, hydraulic cylinder 108 having opposite ends secured to support weldment 74 and claw structure 104 is operable to swing the latter between the disposition illustrated in FIG. 4 wherein the claw structure is disposed in interfering relationship with longitudinal shifting of upper boom section 34 and the disposition illustrated in FIG. 5 wherein the claw structure lies to one side of upper section 34 in noninterfering relationship thereto. Normally, the claw structure 104 must be swung away from its FIG. 5 disposition and towards its FIG. 4 disposition in relation to the selected angular position of derrick in order to locate the claw structure in a working disposition extending perpendicularly to a utility pole to be engaged and held by the claw structure during installation of the vertical utility pole. Swinging of claw structure 104 to its FIG. 5 disposition allows subsequent longitudinal shifting of upper boom section 34 relative to sheave assembly 46.

The tip end of upper boom section 34 has a transverse aperture 110 located in corresponding relationship to aperture 98 in support weldment 74. When upper section 34 is fully retracted as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, this corresponding aperture 110 aligns with aperture 98 in support weldment 74. Transfer pin 78 is insertable through these aligned apertures 98 and 110 to thereby secure support weldment 74 to the tip end of upper section 34. Such positioning of transfer pin 78 causes support weldment 74 to travel with upper section 34 as the latter shifts longitudinally relative to intermediate section 32. Such arrangement is illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 9 wherein the tip end of upper section 34 and support weldment 74 are shifted to a location relatively remote from the tip end of section 32 and winch assembly 44. Insertion of transfer pin 78 within apertures 98 and 110 allows sheave assembly 46 to be carried at the uppermost end of the telescoping derrick as illustrated in FIG. 1.

Accordingly, selective insertion of transfer pin 78 in apertures 98 and 110, as shown in FIG. 9, or within the transverse apertures 96 and 70, as shown in phantom lines of FIG. 9, convertibly secures the support weldment 74 respectively to the outer tip end of upper section 34 and to the outer tip end of intermediate section 32. In consonance with this selective position of transfer pin 78, the sheave assembly 46 travels longitudinally with the upper section or'remains stationary to the intermediate section 32.

Upper section 34 also has a transverse bore 112 that is adapted to receive the bucket tubular support structure 100, so that the workman buckets 48 may be carried at the tip end of the upper boom section illustrated in FIG. 2 and as shown in phantom lines in FIG. 6. The positioning of transverse bore 112 at the outermost region of upper section 34 facilitates substantially complete retraction of the latter within intermediate section 32 even with support structure 100 carried in bore 1 12.

A recessed, transverse cover plate 116 substantially closes the internal space 1180f section 34 at the tip end thereof. Hydraulic fluid conduits (not shown) extend in lengthwise fashion through the hollow boom sections 30, 32 and 34 and terminate at cover plate 116, and quick disconnect fittings are mounted to cover plate 116 to facilitate fast interconnection of these hydraulic conduits with hydraulically operated elements such as claw structure 104 or cylinder 108. The recessed disposition of cover plate 116 allows the electrically insulative upper section 34 to substantially enclose elements, such as fittings 120, constructed of electrically conductive material to minimize theamount of such electrically conductive material exposed at the tip end of upper section 34.

The drop-out sheave assembly 50 is substantially smaller in size than the massive structure of sheave assembly 46 and is capable of fitting within the internal space 118 of upper section 34 as depicted in FIG. 5. Sheave assembly 50 includes a support weldment 51 having a pair of side plates, intersecured by a curved transverse support gusset 122, with inner ends pivotally mounted by a transverse spindle 124 to upper section 34. Side suppojrt plates 126, one of which is shown in FIG. 8, are bored at 128 to receive spindle 124. A longitudinal slot 130 on one side of section 34 opens into internal space 118 and allows pivoting of support weldment 5]. to its FIG. 8 disposition wherein an outer end of the support weldment is located to the same side of section 34 as is the winch assembly 44 and the convertible sheave assembly 46. A sheave l32'adapted to receive the winch load line 52, shown in FIG. 3, is rotatably mounted to the outer end of support weldment 51. Support weldment 51 is normally held in its position retracted within internal space 118 by the baseplate 86 of convertible support weldment 74. When upper section 34 is shifted longitudinally away from sheave assembly 46 as illustrated in FIGS. 2, 3 and 8, support weldment 51 will disengage from baseplate 86 and automatically drop out to the position shown in FIG. 8 in predetermined offset relationship from upper section 34. Support weldment Sl'contacts the edge 134 defining the lower extremity of slot 130 to extend generally perpendicularly and transversely from section 34 as shown in FIG. 8.

When the outer tip end of section 34 is retracted back within support weldment 74, baseplate 86 engages the smaller support weldment 51 to urge the latter back inside internal space 118. Circular rod element 87 at the outboard edge of plate 86 protects the winch load line 52 (FIG. 3) which may be drawn into space 118 as the upper section 34 is retracted. Convertible support weldment 74, when selectively secured to the tip end of upper section 34 by insertion of transfer pin 78 in corresponding transverse apertures 98 and 1 10, remains in engagement with support weldment 51 and holds the same in its retracted position within internal space 118 during longitudinal shifting of section 34. Alternately, securement of support weldment 74 to the tip end of intermediate section 32, allows support weldment 51 to drop out to its FIG. 8 position whenever section 34 shifts away from support weldment 74. The drop-out feature of support weldment 51 permits inclusion of a pair of sheaves on the telescoping derrick while still allowing the large support weldment tobe convertibly secured to the tip end of either sections 32 or 34.

As clearly shown in FIGS. 5, 10 and 11, there is included means 136 for attaching the operating members 38 and associated levers 40, to the tip end of upper section 34. This attachment means includes a pair of trans versely spaced straps 138 affixed upon the lower side of a bracket 142 which carries levers 40. A corresponding pair of spaced straps 140 align with and are receivable within straps 138. A holding pin 144 is insertable through aligning bores in straps 138 and 140 to secure the levers 40 to the tip end of intermediate section 32.

The attachment means 136 also includes a transversely extending, rectangular bar 146 which has an inner end snugly received within a hollow, rectangular length 148 rigidly mounted to cover plate 116. Bar 146 extends through an opening 150 in upper section 34 so that an aperture in the outer end of bar 146 aligns with corresponding apertures 152 in the ends of the straps 138. A holding pin 154 is insertable through length 148 and bar 146, and holding pin 144 is similarly insertable through bar 146 and'the apertures 152 of straps 138 to thereby releasably attach levers 40 to the tip end of upper section 34.

Attachment of the operating levers 40 to the lower section 32 is accomplished by inserting pin 144 through straps 138 and 140. If desired, bar 146 may be removed by releasing pin 154 to reduce exposed steel at the tip end of the upper section 34 when the latter is extended with the operating levers 40 remaining at the tip end of the lower section 32. To secure the levers 40 to the upper section 34, bar 146 is inserted through opening 150 and pin 154 is inserted through the inner end thereof as shown in FIG. 5, and pin 144is inserted through the outer end of bar 146 and the corresponding apertures 152 in straps 138.

In use, the telescoping derrick is positioned and set up at the desired working location. Dependent upon the work to be performed, sheave assembly 46 is convertibly connected to the upper section 34 or intermediate section 32 by selective positioning of transfer pin 78 in either transverse apertures 96 or 98 in the sheave. The personnel buckets 48 may be connected either to the sheave assembly or to the tip end of the upper section 34 by selectively mounting tubular support 100 in either of bores 102 or 112. Similarly, the lever bracket 142 may be secured or not secured to the tip end of upper section 34 by the attaching means 136. The derrick is then telescoped to the desired height and the winch load line 52 looped over one of the sheaves 76 or 132.

Accordingly, a variety of working configurations are available. In FIG. 1 for instance, sheave assembly 46 is carried at the tip end of upper boom 34, and claw structure 104 has been shifted to a working disposition for grasping and holding a utility pole to be set. For manual work adjacent power lines 54 as illustrated in FIG. 2, the sheave assembly 46 remains at the upper end of intermediate section 32 by inserting transfer pin 78 through the transverse apertures 96 in the support weldment 74, and buckets 48 are mounted at the tip end of the upper section while the operating members are similarly attached to the upper section by the attaching means 136. In FIG. 3, the drop-out boom tip sheave assembly 50 is carrying the winch load line to hold a transformer 56 at the desired height while the buckets 48 are mounted at the tip end of section 32 at a proper working height relative to the transformer 56.

In both the FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 configurations the operating levers 40 are adjacent the workman buckets 48 and easily accessible to personnel in the buckets for controlling the positioning of the derrick and operation of hydraulically actuated tools associated therewith. In the FIG. 2 arrangement it will be apparent that minimal exposed steel is carried at the tip end of upper section 34, but at the same time either a massive sheave assembly 46 or a smaller drop-out sheave assembly 50 is positionable at this tip end of the derrick.

While three specific working configurations are illustrated, various other arrangements are also available due to the convertible placement of the massive sheave assembly 46 at the tip end of either the intermediate or upper boom sections, along with the selective positioning of the workman buckets and levers 40 and the selective swinging of claw structure 104 to its noninterfering disposition as shown in FIG. 5. The arrangement of the structure permits full retraction of upper section 34 back into lower section 32 as illustrated in FIG. 4. Complete removal of the sheave assembly 46 from the telescoping derrick is accomplished with ease simply by removing pin 78 and the transverse bar 146 of the operating lever attaching means 136, thereby allowing the entire sheave assembly 46 to be slipped off the outer tip end of upper section 34. With assembly 46 removed, a maximum length of nonconductive section 34 is presented between the remaining conductive'steel structures (winch assembly 44 and drop-out sheave assembly 50) to facilitate safer work around high power, electrically energized apparatus. At the same time, however, the derrick still carries the drop-out sheave assembly 50 for maneuvering heavy loads.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed as new and desired to be secured by letters Patent is:

- 1. In a telescoping derrick for utility vehicles wherein said derrick is utilized in handling bulky articles and includes an elongated, upper section longitudinally, shiftably received in telescoping relationship in an elongated, lower section, a sheave assembly comprising:

a support weldment having one end surrounding said upper section and an outer end offset from said upper and lower sections, said weldment being separate from said upper and lower sections and alternately securable to either of said sections;

a sheave rotatably mounted to said outer end and adapted to carry a winch load line for handling the articles; and

locking means selectively positionable in a first position for securing said support weldment to said upper section for longitudinal shifting therewith, and in a second position for securing said support weldment to said lower section to hold said support weldment in stationary relationship to the lower section during longitudinal shifting of said upper section.

2. A telescoping derrick as set forth in claim 1, said upper section being longitudinally shiftable between a retracted position wherein tip ends of said upper and lower sections are adjacent each other, and an extended position wherein said tip ends are disposed remotely from each other, said locking means being operable in said first and second positions thereof to secure said support weldment respectively to said tip end of the upper section and to said tip end of the lower section.

3. A telescoping derrick as set forth in claim 2, said support weldment having first and second transverse apertures in said one end thereof respectively aligning with corresponding apertures in said upper and lower sections upon shifting said upper section to said retracted position, said locking means being inserted in said first and second apertures in said first and second positions thereof, respectively.

4. A telescoping derrick as set forth in claim 3, said locking means comprising a pin selectively insertable in said first and second apertures.

5. A telescoping derrick as set forth in claim 3, there being a winch assembly rigidly, permanently affixed to said lower section at said tip end thereof, said support weldment being disposed adjacently outward of said winch assembly when said upper section is retracted.

6. A telescoping derrick as set forth in claim 5, said winch assembly including ears protruding into overlying relationship with said one end of the support weldment, said corresponding apertures of said lower section being in said ears and aligning with said first apertures in said support weldment for receiving said locking means in said first position of the latter when said upper section is retracted, whereby upon subsequent longitudinal shifting of said upper section away from its retracted position said support weldment remains stationary relative to said lower section.

7. A telescoping derrick as set forth in claim 2, said upper section having at said tip end thereof an internal space and a slot opening into said internal space, there being a second support weldment normally lying within said internal space and having one end pivotally secured to said upper section, said second support weldment being pivotal through said slot to locate an outer end thereof in predetermined, offset relationship on said one side of the upper section upon longitudinal shifting of said upper section away from its retracted position, there being a second sheave rotatably mounted on said outer end of said second support weldment.

8. A telescoping derrick as set forth in claim 7, said first-mentioned support weldment including an element located to engage said second support weldment and urge same to its normal position within said-internal space upon relative positioning of said firstmentioned support weldment at said tip end of the upper section.

9. A telescoping derrick as set forth in claim 8, said second support weldment extending generally transversely relative to said upper section when in'said predetermined, offset relationship.

10. A telescoping derrick as set forth in claim 9, said upper and lower sections being hollow, there being hydraulic fluid conduits extending through the interiors of said sections in noninterfering relationship to said second support weldment and terminating at said tip end of the upper section.

111. A telescoping derrick as set forth in claim 10, said fluid conduits terminating within said internal space of the upper section.

12. A telescoping derrick as set forth in claim 1, there being pad means mounted on said one end of the support weldment in contact with the outer surface of said upper section to facilitate longitudinal shifting of said upper section relative to said support weldment upon positioning said locking means in said second position thereof.

13. A telescoping derrick as set forth in claim 12, said upper section being of electrically insulative material.

14. A telescoping derrick as set forth in claim 1, there being a utility tool attached to said support weldment at said outer end thereof and disposed in noninterfering, offset relationship on said one side of said upper section allowing said longitudinal shifting of said upper section relative to said support weldment.

15. A telescoping derrick as set forth in claim 14, said tool being pivotally mounted to said support weldment toswing about an axis common with the rotational axis of said drum to a working disposition interfering with said longitudinal shifting of the upper section relative to said support weldment. there being means extending between said support weldment and the tool for swinging the latter between its interfering and noninterfering dispositions.

16. A telescoping derrick as set forth in claim 15, said tool being a hydraulically actuated claw adapted to grasp utility poles, said swinging means comprising a linear hydraulic cylinder having opposite ends attached to said support weldment and said tool.

17. A telescoping derrick as set forth in claim 16, there being means for controlling movement of the derrick including elongated, telescoping operating members extending generally parallel with said sections to said tip ends thereof and offset on an opposite side of said sections in noninterfering relationship to said tool when the latter is in either of its dispositions, said members being secured to said tip end of the lower section, there being means for releasably attaching said members to said tip end of the upper section to selectively locate said members at said tip end of either the upper or lower section.

18. A telescoping derrick as set forth in claim 17, said sheave and said tip end of the upper section having transverse bores, there being a tubular support received in one of said transverse bores and adapted to carry workman buckets, said transverse bores being located to allow substantially complete retraction of said upper section into said lower section with said tubular support disposed in either of said transverse bores.

19. In a telescoping derrick for utility vehicles wherein said derrick is utilized in handling bulky articles and includes an elongated upper section longitudinally, shiftably received in telescoping relationship in an elongated, lower section and shiftable between a retracted position wherein the tip end of said upper and lower sections are adjacent each other, and an extended position wherein said tip ends are disposed re motely from each other, a sheave assembly comprising:

a support weldment having one end surrounding said upper section and an outer end offsetto one side of said upper and lower sections;

a winch assembly rigidly, permanently affixed to said lower section at the tip end thereof and including ears protruding into overlying relationship with said one end of the support weldment, the latter being disposed adjacently outward of said winch assembly when said upper section is retracted,

said support weldment having first and second transverse apertures in said one end thereof respectively aligning with corresponding first apertures in the protruding ears of said winch assembly and corresponding second apertures in said upper section ment in a first position to the tip end of the upper 1 section for longitudinal shifting therewith, and for securing said support weldment in a second position to the tip end of said lower section to hold the support weldment in stationary relationship to the lower section during longitudinal shifting of said upper section.

In a telescoping derrick for utility vehicles wherein said derrick is utilized in handling bulky articles and includes an elongated, upper section longitudinally, shiftably received in telescoping relationship in an elongated, lower section, a sheave and utility tool assembly comprising:

a support weldment having one end surrounding said upper section and an outer end offset to one side of said upper and lower sections;

a sheave rotatably mounted to said outer end and adapted to carry a winch load line for handling the articles;

locking means selectively positionable in a first position for securing said support weldment to said upper section for longitudinal shifting therewith, and in a second position for securing said support weldment to said lower section to hold said support weldment in stationary relationship to the lower section during longitudinal shifting of the upper section;

a utility tool pivotally mounted on said support weldment at the outer end thereof for swinging move ment from a noninterfering, ofiset relationship on one side of said upper section allowing longitudinal shifting of said upper section relative to said support weldment, to a working disposition interfering with said longitudinal shifting;

means comprising a linear hydraulic cylinder having the opposite ends thereof attached to said support weldment and tool for swinging the latter between its interfering and noninterfering dispositions; and

means for controlling movement of the derrick including elongated, telescoping operating members extending generally parallel with said sections to said tip ends thereof and offset on the opposite side of said section in noninterfering relationship to said tool when the latter is in either of its dispositions, said members being secured to said tip end of the lower section, there being means for releasably attaching said members tosaid tip end of the upper section to selectively locate said member at said tip end of either of the upper or lower section.

21. A telescoping derrick as set forth in claim 20, said sheave and said tip end of the upper section having transverse bores, there being a tubular support received in one of said transverse bores and adapted to carry workmen buckets, said transverse bores being located to allow substantially complete retraction of said upper section into said lower section with said tubular support disposed in either of said transverse bores.

22. A telescoping derrick as set forth in claim 20 wherein said tool is a hydraulically actuated claw adapted to grasp utility poles. 

1. In a telescoping derrick for utility vehicles wherein said derrick is utilized in handling bulky articles and includes an elongated, upper section longitudinally, shiftably received in telescoping relationship in an elongated, lower section, a sheave assembly comprising: a support weldment having one end surrounding said upper section and an outer end offset from said upper and lower sections, said weldment being separate from said upper and lower sections and alternately securable to either of said sections; a sheave rotatably mounted to said outer end and adapted to carry a winch load line for handling the articles; and locking means selectively positionable in a first position for securing said support weldment to said upper section for longitudinal shifting therewith, and in a second position for securing said support weldment to said lower section to hold said support weldment in stationary relationship to the lower section during longitudinal shifting of said upper section.
 2. A telescoping derrick as set forth in claim 1, said upper section being loNgitudinally shiftable between a retracted position wherein tip ends of said upper and lower sections are adjacent each other, and an extended position wherein said tip ends are disposed remotely from each other, said locking means being operable in said first and second positions thereof to secure said support weldment respectively to said tip end of the upper section and to said tip end of the lower section.
 3. A telescoping derrick as set forth in claim 2, said support weldment having first and second transverse apertures in said one end thereof respectively aligning with corresponding apertures in said upper and lower sections upon shifting said upper section to said retracted position, said locking means being inserted in said first and second apertures in said first and second positions thereof, respectively.
 4. A telescoping derrick as set forth in claim 3, said locking means comprising a pin selectively insertable in said first and second apertures.
 5. A telescoping derrick as set forth in claim 3, there being a winch assembly rigidly, permanently affixed to said lower section at said tip end thereof, said support weldment being disposed adjacently outward of said winch assembly when said upper section is retracted.
 6. A telescoping derrick as set forth in claim 5, said winch assembly including ears protruding into overlying relationship with said one end of the support weldment, said corresponding apertures of said lower section being in said ears and aligning with said first apertures in said support weldment for receiving said locking means in said first position of the latter when said upper section is retracted, whereby upon subsequent longitudinal shifting of said upper section away from its retracted position said support weldment remains stationary relative to said lower section.
 7. A telescoping derrick as set forth in claim 2, said upper section having at said tip end thereof an internal space and a slot opening into said internal space, there being a second support weldment normally lying within said internal space and having one end pivotally secured to said upper section, said second support weldment being pivotal through said slot to locate an outer end thereof in predetermined, offset relationship on said one side of the upper section upon longitudinal shifting of said upper section away from its retracted position, there being a second sheave rotatably mounted on said outer end of said second support weldment.
 8. A telescoping derrick as set forth in claim 7, said first-mentioned support weldment including an element located to engage said second support weldment and urge same to its normal position within said internal space upon relative positioning of said first-mentioned support weldment at said tip end of the upper section.
 9. A telescoping derrick as set forth in claim 8, said second support weldment extending generally transversely relative to said upper section when in said predetermined, offset relationship.
 10. A telescoping derrick as set forth in claim 9, said upper and lower sections being hollow, there being hydraulic fluid conduits extending through the interiors of said sections in noninterfering relationship to said second support weldment and terminating at said tip end of the upper section.
 11. A telescoping derrick as set forth in claim 10, said fluid conduits terminating within said internal space of the upper section.
 12. A telescoping derrick as set forth in claim 1, there being pad means mounted on said one end of the support weldment in contact with the outer surface of said upper section to facilitate longitudinal shifting of said upper section relative to said support weldment upon positioning said locking means in said second position thereof.
 13. A telescoping derrick as set forth in claim 12, said upper section being of electrically insulative material.
 14. A telescoping derrick as set forth in claim 1, there being a utility tool attached to said support weldment at said outer end thereOf and disposed in noninterfering, offset relationship on said one side of said upper section allowing said longitudinal shifting of said upper section relative to said support weldment.
 15. A telescoping derrick as set forth in claim 14, said tool being pivotally mounted to said support weldment to swing about an axis common with the rotational axis of said drum to a working disposition interfering with said longitudinal shifting of the upper section relative to said support weldment, there being means extending between said support weldment and the tool for swinging the latter between its interfering and noninterfering dispositions.
 16. A telescoping derrick as set forth in claim 15, said tool being a hydraulically actuated claw adapted to grasp utility poles, said swinging means comprising a linear hydraulic cylinder having opposite ends attached to said support weldment and said tool.
 17. A telescoping derrick as set forth in claim 16, there being means for controlling movement of the derrick including elongated, telescoping operating members extending generally parallel with said sections to said tip ends thereof and offset on an opposite side of said sections in noninterfering relationship to said tool when the latter is in either of its dispositions, said members being secured to said tip end of the lower section, there being means for releasably attaching said members to said tip end of the upper section to selectively locate said members at said tip end of either the upper or lower section.
 18. A telescoping derrick as set forth in claim 17, said sheave and said tip end of the upper section having transverse bores, there being a tubular support received in one of said transverse bores and adapted to carry workman buckets, said transverse bores being located to allow substantially complete retraction of said upper section into said lower section with said tubular support disposed in either of said transverse bores.
 19. In a telescoping derrick for utility vehicles wherein said derrick is utilized in handling bulky articles and includes an elongated upper section longitudinally, shiftably received in telescoping relationship in an elongated, lower section and shiftable between a retracted position wherein the tip end of said upper and lower sections are adjacent each other, and an extended position wherein said tip ends are disposed remotely from each other, a sheave assembly comprising: a support weldment having one end surrounding said upper section and an outer end offset to one side of said upper and lower sections; a winch assembly rigidly, permanently affixed to said lower section at the tip end thereof and including ears protruding into overlying relationship with said one end of the support weldment, the latter being disposed adjacently outward of said winch assembly when said upper section is retracted, said support weldment having first and second transverse apertures in said one end thereof respectively aligning with corresponding first apertures in the protruding ears of said winch assembly and corresponding second apertures in said upper section upon shifting of the upper section to said retracted position; a sheave rotatably mounted to said outer end of said support weldment and adapted to carry a winch load line for handling the articles; locking means selectively insertable in said aligned first and second apertures in said one end of said support weldment, protruding ears and upper section respectively for securing said support weldment in a first position to the tip end of the upper section for longitudinal shifting therewith, and for securing said support weldment in a second position to the tip end of said lower section to hold the support weldment in stationary relationship to the lower section during longitudinal shifting of said upper section.
 20. In a telescoping derrick for utility vehicles wherein said derrick is utilized in handling bulky articles and includes an elongated, upper section longitudinAlly, shiftably received in telescoping relationship in an elongated, lower section, a sheave and utility tool assembly comprising: a support weldment having one end surrounding said upper section and an outer end offset to one side of said upper and lower sections; a sheave rotatably mounted to said outer end and adapted to carry a winch load line for handling the articles; locking means selectively positionable in a first position for securing said support weldment to said upper section for longitudinal shifting therewith, and in a second position for securing said support weldment to said lower section to hold said support weldment in stationary relationship to the lower section during longitudinal shifting of the upper section; a utility tool pivotally mounted on said support weldment at the outer end thereof for swinging movement from a noninterfering, offset relationship on one side of said upper section allowing longitudinal shifting of said upper section relative to said support weldment, to a working disposition interfering with said longitudinal shifting; means comprising a linear hydraulic cylinder having the opposite ends thereof attached to said support weldment and tool for swinging the latter between its interfering and noninterfering dispositions; and means for controlling movement of the derrick including elongated, telescoping operating members extending generally parallel with said sections to said tip ends thereof and offset on the opposite side of said section in noninterfering relationship to said tool when the latter is in either of its dispositions, said members being secured to said tip end of the lower section, there being means for releasably attaching said members to said tip end of the upper section to selectively locate said member at said tip end of either of the upper or lower section.
 21. A telescoping derrick as set forth in claim 20, said sheave and said tip end of the upper section having transverse bores, there being a tubular support received in one of said transverse bores and adapted to carry workmen buckets, said transverse bores being located to allow substantially complete retraction of said upper section into said lower section with said tubular support disposed in either of said transverse bores.
 22. A telescoping derrick as set forth in claim 20 wherein said tool is a hydraulically actuated claw adapted to grasp utility poles. 